FOOTBALL HELICOPTER IN FIREBALL HORROR
LEICESTER CITY OWNER’S CHOPPER CRASHES IN STADIUM CAR PARK:
Concerns were growing last night for the owner of Leicester City after his helicopter crashed in a horrific fireball after the club’s match with West Ham.
Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, inset, a Thai businessman, uses the helicopter to travel to matches, taking off from the centre circle. And while police would not confirm if he was on board last night, the chairman had been seen earlier at the game.
The aircraft fell from the sky and crashed into the ground’s car park moments after taking off. Details of how many people had been hurt or killed were still emerging. But it is feared the helicopter had been carrying Mr Srivaddhanaprabha, 60.
The crash happened around 40 minutes after the h o m e draw with West Ham.
And there was confusion outside as stewards attempted to steer fans away from the crash. Witnesses were in distress and Kasper Schmeichel, Leicester’s keeper, was seen in tears.
The helicopter, a two- year- old Augusta Westland AW- 169, cost around £2 million and carries a crew of two and passengers of six. In chilling footage, coverage of the game showed the helicopter starting to take off from the ground as pundits joked about the match. Fans on Twitter said that they could hear the crash on the coverage moments later.
Mr Srivaddhanaprabha is the billionaire owner of the Thai duty free company King Power.
He bought the east Midlands club in 2010, and is normally flown back to London after games. The backing of the Thai businessman helped Leicester City win the Premier League title in 2016.
Former Leicester City player Robbie Savage said: “What an absolutely terrible day. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone at my old club.”
And Lady Karen Brady said: “Horrific pictures on the news. I pray everyone is OK. I can confirm everyone from West Ham United has safely left the stadium.”
Pictures showed the helicopter ablaze, with flames shooting high into the sky. Witnesses said the helicopter crashed seconds after taking off from the pitch, crashing into the car park where the club’s staff park their vehicles. There were unconfirmed reports the accident was a result of a faulty propeller.
One witness said: “The helicopter was hovering near the stadium roof after taking off and then it started to come down. There was flames everywhere, it was horrible to see it happen in front of us.”
Tim Acott, a Leicester season ticket holder of 40 years, said: “It just came out of the stadium already spinning then down to the ground. Just in a spiral. It hit the ground with a big bang then burst into flames.
“It’s over on the other side of the car park, I don’t think there were people there. I’m shaking like anything.”